Halflings love festivities, and they seldom miss an opportunity to celebrate. Many of their traditional celebrations are usually connected to seasonal occasions, such as the harvest and midsummer. The vital ingredient in any joviality is nourishment, and a fair share of harvested food, wine and tobacco is consumed at such events. At private gathering ballads are performed, tales spun and pranks played. Larger crowds demand grander entertainment, such as dancing, acrobatics, juggling and illusionary acts. The halflings have a special dance where the men and women dance together in formations under the lead of a "shepherd." Halflings arrange contests of all sorts, involving things like pie-eating, pumpkin sculpting, rooster crowing, and hog riding. Beyond the friendly competition there is a genuine honor in winning annual awards like the "Biggest Pig" or "Fastest Sheep Shearer." Many families spend both time and money on these prestigious endeavors. The halflings also enjoy relaxing occupations. They pick berries and mushrooms and go fishing for leisure.